Greetings Everyone,
By now most of you know that measure DD passed by an
overwhelming majority on November 4th, 58.5 to 41.5%. This citizen-led
initiative calls for a public vote if there is a major change in allowable
land use anywhere in Redondo Beach, which includes the AES power plant
site. The other measure, EE, barely passed but will be superceded
by DD because of its own wording that ultimately gives the power to the
initiative that wins more votes.
So what does this mean for our park vision? If
this City Council, or any future City Council, rezones this property for
anything other than industrial uses or a park, it will have to be approved by
the public. FINALLY, the residents have a binding safety valve, not just
an advisory vote, against any redevelopment plan that does not have community
support.
As we look to the future of this site, the
only outcome that makes any sense both financially and politically, is a
park.
Politically because the public already voted for a park
here and would never approve a large enough private development plan to
justify the financial risk for investors. And soon, the State Water
Board is going to outlaw the practice of once-through-cooling that is going to
force this old power plant to retire in about 6 years.
And, it makes sense financially because only a
large public project could shoulder the financial demands without the profit
motive that would require too much development. Plus, a large waterfront
park here would upgrade the entire business climate in the area, and raise
both the commercial and residential property values. How much more
successful would the hotels and restaurants be in this area if there was a
65-acre park here instead of a power plant?
Higher property values, more sales tax revenue and
higher lease rates increases City revenues. Study after study has been
published on the financial and health benefits to areas with ample park
space.
To top it off, once the power plant is retired, the
power lines that stretch out to the 405 freeway come down, opening up hundreds
of acres of land for a new greenbelt to the coast. If there is a bigger
greening opportunity in the South Bay, I don't know about it.
Our State and Federal Governments are talking about
large public works projects to stimulate our staggering economy, why not build
a waterfront park in Redondo Beach on an old industrial site to provide good
jobs, upgrade a blighted area, and improve the quality of life for generations
to come. Makes perfect sense to me.
Happy belated Thanksgiving,
Bill Brand
President
South Bay Parkland
Conservancy
1719 Via El Prado #408
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
310-809-4405
www.southbayparks.org